Day 7 Photos!

Williams Sisters Move Closer to An All Williams Final!

June 30th, 2008

London, England

With the Middle Sunday gone and the Williams sisters moving closer to an All Williams Final, Wimbledon is abuzz with activity as today the Round of 16 matches were underway. Both Venus and Serena were scheduled to play on Court 2. Venus was up first against Alisa Kleybanova, who took out Daniela Hantuchova earlier in the tournament. Venus started off good, but her play slowly detiorated, but she wasn't ever in trouble of losing. Venus coasted to a 6-3, 6-4 victory and moves on. Younger sister, Serena was facing off against fellow American, Bethanie Mattek in the Round of 16. Serena, like Venus started off well and faltered slightly in the second set. But in the end, she too moved on with a 6-3, 6-3 victory.

Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova did not have as much luck however. Both failed to reach the Quarter-Finals, making it the first slam since the Australian Open in 1997, that no top 3 seed has reached the Quarter-Finals. Jankovic had been bothered by a injured knee, and lost to Tamarine Tanasugarn, 6-3, 6-2 all the way out on Court 18. Kuznetsova fell to rising star, Agnieszka Radwanska, who also defeated Kuznestova in the 3rd Round at the Australian Open, 6-4, 1-6. 7-5.

Others to make the Quarter-Finals include Jie Zheng, Nicole Vaidasova, Nadia Petrova and Elena Dementieva. Tuesday is Quarter-Finals day for the women at Wimbledon. The heavy favorites, the Williams sisters look to move into the Semi-Finals of a slam together for the first time since Wimbledon 2003.

Results:

Centre Court:

(14)Agnieszka Radwanska d. (4)Svetlana Kuznetsova - 6-4, 1-6, 7-5

Court 1:

(18)Nicole Vaidasova d. (8) Anna Chakvetadze - 4-6, 7-6(0), 6-3

Court 2:

(7)Venus Williams d. Alisa Kleybanova - 6-3, 6-4

(6)Serena Williams d. Bethanie Mattek - 6-3, 6-3

Court 3:

Jie Zheng d. (15)Agnes Szavay - 6-3, 6-4

(21)Nadia Petrova d. Alla Kudryavtseva - 6-1, 6-4

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Ana Ivanovic - Lost Round 3 (Zheng)

2. Jelena Jankovic - Lost Round of 16 (Tanasugarn)

3. Maria Sharapova - Lost Round 2 (Kudryavtseva)

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Lost Round of 16 (Radwanksa)

5. Elena Dementieva - Quarter-Finals

6. Serena Williams - Quarter-Finals

7. Venus Williams - Quarter-Finals

8. Anna Chakvetadze - Lost Round of 16 (Vaidasova)

9. Dinara Safina - Lost Round 3 (Peer)

10. Daniela Hantuchova - Lost Round 2 (Kleybanova)

Day 6 Photos!

Venus Soars On, Jankovic Troubled With Injury!

June 28th, 2008

London, England

The Saturday before the Middle Sunday where all play is suspended for a day of rest featured the defending champion back in action trying to reach the second week of her favorite Grand Slam. Williams was facing off against little known Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez on Court 1. Venus started off strong, imposing her will on her opponent and finishing plenty of shots with winners and coming to the net to attack short balls and put away volleys. Sanchez to her credit changed her strategy a bit in the second set and caused more errors from Williams as she pushed the defending champion to a 7-5 second set victory. Williams had praising words for her opponent at the press conference calling her smart and tough. Williams now moves on to the Round of 16.

Jelena Jankovic was in action today as well, trying to get to the Round of 16 where she faltered last year. Playing against talented Caroline Wozniacki, Jankovic at one point hyper extended her knee and had to take an injury time out after the second set. Wozniacki had taken the first set 6-2, Jankovic taking the second 6-4. The third set showed how tough or how good of an actress Jankovic can be as she dictated play and won easily 6-2. Many question Jankovic's injury if it really is legitimate. As she progresses through the tournament everyone will see.

Elena Dementieva and Nadia Petrova continued moving futher into the draw with their victories today. The players are all going to have a day off tomorrow and return on Monday when all of the Round of 16 matches are being played. Then on Tuesday, the women will return to play their Quarter-Finals matches. It should be an interesting beginning of the week.

Results:

Centre Court:

(2)Jelena Jankovic d. Caroline Wozniacki - 2-6, 6-4, 6-2

Court 1:

(7)Venus Williams d. Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez - 6-1, 7-5

Court 2:

(5)Elena Dementieva d. Gisela Dulko - 7-6(2), 7-5

Court 3:

(21)Nadia Petrova d. (16)Victoria Azarenka - 7-6(11), 7-6(4)

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Ana Ivanovic - Lost Round 3 (Zheng)

2. Jelena Jankovic - Round of 16

3. Maria Sharapova - Lost Round 2 (Kudryavtseva)

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Round of 16

5. Elena Dementieva - Round of 16

6. Serena Williams - Round of 16

7. Venus Williams - Round of 16

8. Anna Chakvetadze - Round of 16

9. Dinara Safina - Lost Round 3 (Peer)

10. Daniela Hantuchova - Lost Round 2 (Kleybanova)

Day 5 Photos!

Ivanovic Says Goodbye, Serena, Kuznetsova Move On!

June 27th, 2008

London, England

A day after Maria Sharapova was shown the door, the world number 1, Ana Ivanovic was too escorted away from Wimbledon a loser. The Roland Garros champion hasn't looked comfortable at all on the grass and in her last two matches especially it showed that she wouldn't be a favorite for the title. Last years Semi-Finalist, this year it seemed too much pressure was on her young shoulders. Jie Zheng took every oppurtunity to defeat the Serbian and it worked, Zheng won the match 6-1, 6-4 and now moves on to the Round of 16.

Serena Williams was facing a tough opponent in 2006 champion, Amelie Mauresmo. The two have mostly had battles in the past, especially the unforgettable one back in the Semi-Finals of Wimbledon in 2004. However, both players are different today then they were back then. Serena is trying to re-establish herself as a threat for the title and Mauresmo is just trying to get some match play in as she hasn't been the same since 2006. The first set was tight and hard fought as expected, but Serena just pushed a bit harder to win the tiebreak, 7-6(5). The second set was a blowout as Mauresmo lost her edge and Serena powered through to a 6-1 victory. Serena now faces Bethanie Mattek in the Round of 16, and really seems to only have one hurtle, Kuznestova of Radwanska in the Quarter-Finals. Besides that, it seems Serena is a good choice to make the Finals.

Nicole Vaidasova, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Agnieszka Radwanska all advanced today. Vaidasova will now take on Anna Chakvetadze in a match to re-establish each players game. Kuznetsova takes on the woman who defeated her in the Third Round at the Australian Open, Radwanska which should be a good match.

Tomorrow Venus Williams and Jelena Jankovic return to action as they will both try to reach the Round of 16 and step closer to a meeting that everyone seems to be waiting for between the two in the Quarter-Finals.

Results:

Centre Court:

(6)Serena Williams d. (29)Amelie Mauresmo - 7-6(5), 6-1

Court 1:

Jie Zheng d. (1)Ana Ivanovic - 6-1, 6-4

Court 2:

(4)Svetlana Kuznetsova d. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova - 6-2, 6-4

Court 3:

(14)Agnieszka Radwanska d. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova - 6-3, 6-2

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Ana Ivanovic - Lost in Round 3 (Zheng)

2. Jelena Jankovic - Round 3

3. Maria Sharapova - Lost in Round 2 (Kudryavtseva)

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Round of 16

5. Elena Dementieva - Round 3

6. Serena Williams - Round of 16

7. Venus Williams - Round 3

8. Anna Chakvetadze - Round of 16

9. Dinara Safina - Round 3

10. Daniela Hantuchova - Lost in Round 2 (Kleybanova)

Day 4 Photos!

Sharapova Crashes Out, Venus, Jankovic Move Closer To Meeting!

June 26th, 2008

London, England

Yesterday was almost a day of upsets when Ana Ivanovic barely survived her 2nd Round encounter with Nathalie Dechy. So no one could predict that Day 4 of the Championships would bring a few upsets to the Top 10 seeds.

Maria Sharapova who won in 2004, reached the Semi's in 2005 and 2006, lost in the fourth round last year, failed to make an impact at the 2008 Wimbledon championships. Looking tense and dispirited from the beginning, Sharapova was being dictated from the baseline by fellow compatriot, Alla Kudryavtseva. Sharapova never looked comfortable which is odd since this is probably her favorite surface. The shorts wearing blonde went out with an easy 6-2, 6-4 scoreline. Sharapova will have to regroup to play her best later on this summer at the Olympics.

Venus Williams, the defending champion didn't have a extremely tough time on court today, but she too started off slowly, being pushed to win a 7-5 set over her British opponent, Anne Keothavong. The second set was where Williams restored order and won with a 6-2 scoreline. Her possible opponent in the Quarter-Finals, Jelena Jankovic had an easy time dispatching Carla Suarez Navarro for the second straight slam. Jankovic who seems to be playing the steadiest out of all the top players won 6-1, 6-3. Daniela Hantuchova was the other Top 10 seeded player to fall today. Lindsay Davenport withdrew from the tournament with a knee injury.

Tomorrow is highlighted by the Serena Williams vs. Amelie Mauresmo 3rd Round encounter, as well as Ana Ivanovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova who will also be in action.

Results:

Centre Court:

(7)Venus Williams d. Anne Keothavong - 7-5, 6-2

Court 1:

Alla Kudryavtseva d. (3)Maria Sharapova - 6-2, 6-4

Court 2:

(9)Dinara Safina d. Su-Wei Hsieh - 6-3, 6-2

(2)Jelena Jankovic d. Carla Suarez Navarro - 6-1, 6-3

Court 3:

Gisela Dulko d. (25)Lindsay Davenport - Walkover

Alisa Kleybanova d. (10)Daniela Hantuchova - 6-3, 4-6, 6-1

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Ana Ivanovic - Round 3

2. Jelena Jankovic - Round 3

3. Maria Sharapova - Lost 2nd Round (Kudryavsteva)

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Round 3

5. Elena Dementieva - Round 3

6. Serena Williams - Round 3

7. Venus Williams - Round 3

8. Anna Chakvetadze - Round 3

9. Dinara Safina - Round 3

10. Daniela Hantuchova - Lost 2nd Round (Kleybanova)

Day 3 Photos!

Ivanovic Almost Falters, Serena, Kuzzy Remain On Course!

June 25th, 2008

London, England

Today was almost a day of big grief for the world number 1 player, Ana Ivanovic as she struggled with her form and was nearly knocked out of the All England Club by Nathalie Dechy. The key word however is almost. Dechy played her heart out to capture the first set 7-6(2). The French woman even had two match points, on one Ivanovic was extremely lucky to have hit a forehand into the tape and have it dribble over and drop dead. Ivanovic went on to win the second set in a tiebreak as well, 7-6(3). The final set did not see Dechy simply die off, she did the opposite. Continuing to fight and try her best, she almost accomplished her goal, only to have Ivanovic win 10-8 in the third.

Serena Williams was also in action again today on Court 2, the Graveyard. However unlike three years ago, Serena did not lose and did not look in danger of losing to her opponent, Urszula Radwanska. Williams dictated play but looked slight sluggish at times, trying to catch her breath. Williams however held her ground and prevailed 6-4, 6-4. She will now face off against Amelie Mauresmo which should be an exciting 3rd Round match up.

Svetlana Kuznetsova was also in action and did not have any problems in her Second Round match. Nicole Vaidasova had a mental hiccup in her match up but won and is finally finding the form that brought her to the Quarter-Finals last year. Tomorrow Venus Williams, Jelena Jankovic and Maria Sharapova return to the courts for action.

Results:

Centre Court:

(4)Svetlana Kuznetsova d. Kateryna Bondarenko - 6-2, 6-3

Court 1:

(1)Ana Ivanovic d. Nathalie Dechy - 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 10-8

Court 2:

Jie Zheng d. Elena Baltacha - 6-2, 7-5

(6)Serena Williams d. Urszula Radwanska - 6-4, 6-4

(8)Anna Chakvetadze d. Edina Gallovits - 6-4, 6-2

Court 3:

(18)Nicole Vaidasovs d. Samantha Stosur - 6-2, 0-6, 6-4

Anabel Medina Garrigues d. Francesca Schiavone - 3-6, 7-5, 9-7

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Ana Ivanovic - Round 3

2. Jelena Jankovic - Round 2

3. Maria Sharapova - Round 2

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Round 3

5. Elena Dementieva - Round 2

6. Serena Williams - Round 3

7. Venus Williams - Round 2

8. Anna Chakvetadze - Round 3

9. Dinara Safina - Round 2

10. Daniela Hantuchova - Round 2

Day 2 Photos!

Venus, Sharapova, Jankovic Win In Opening Matches!

June 24th, 2008

London, England

The defending champion was in action today trying to make her start towards a fifth Wimbledon title while other title hopefuls were also in action all trying to tone their games on their way later into the tournament.

Venus Williams opened up play on Centre Court today as is the tradition at Wimbledon. Williams was playing against a tricky and determined British player in Naomi Cavaday. The young Brit was playing in front of her home crowd in the most important tennis stadium in the world, Venus who has won here four times previously was returning to her favorite court in the world. Venus started off rusty and Cavaday capitalized, taking the first set to a tiebreak before Venus eventually won with a 7-6(5) score. The second set was all Williams as she established order and reminded everyone why this is her court, with a 6-1 victory.

Maria Sharapova was also in action today sporting shorts and a tuxedo top, trying to be the fashionable one she always is. Playing against French woman, Stephanie Foretz, you sensed Sharapova would not be bothered and she wasn't. It didn't take long before the Russian dismissed Foretz 6-1, 6-4. The women's second seed and number 2 player in the world was also in action, Jelena Jankovic didn't have much trouble dispatching Olga Savchuk in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. Jankovic and Venus may meet in the Quarter-Finals a week from today.

Lindsay Davenport returned to action for the first time since she played an exhibition in Poland in early April. The rust was evident as Davenport had trouble dictating some points and losing the second set. But Davenport knows how to play on grass and used her experience to move on with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory over Renata Voracova. Daniela Hantuchova was also in action and won her first round match, 7-6(5), 6-4 over Sara Errani.

Tomorrow Round 2 action kicks off with Ana Ivanovic, Serena Williams and Svetlana Kuznetsova all coming back in action.

Results:

Centre Court:

(7)Venus Williams d. Naomi Cavaday - 7-6(5), 6-1

Court 1:

(3)Maria Sharapova d. Stephanie Foretz - 6-1, 6-4

(2)Jelena Jankovic d. Olga Savchuk - 6-3, 6-2

Court 2:

Anne Keothavong d. Vania King - 4-6, 6-2, 6-3

(25)Lindsay Davenport d. Renata Voracova - 6-2, 5-7, 6-3

Court 3:

(20)Francesca Schiavone d. Tamira Paszek - 6-3, 5-7, 10-8

(13)Vera Zvonereva d. Aiko Nakamura - 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-1

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Ana Ivanovic - Round 2

2. Jelena Jankovic - Round 2

3. Maria Sharapova - Round 2

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Round 2

5. Elena Dementieva - Round 2

6. Serena Williams - Round 2

7. Venus Williams - Round 2

8. Anna Chavetadze - Round 2

9. Dinara Safina - Round 2

10. Daniela Hantuchova - Round 2

Day 1 Photos!

Ivanovic, Serena Pass Through, Kuznetsova Struggles!

June 23rd, 2008

London, England

The year's third Grand Slam kicked off today on the grass lawns of Wimbledon in London. The

clay has dusted off and everyone has moved on to the grass where many players who were not comfortable at Roland Garros will be much more at home now. On tap for today were three big named players, Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Ana Ivanovic was the first female on Centre Court to play, the newly crowned world's number 1 has a relatively easy ride to the Semi-Finals and she showed that she has a very good chance of making it with the way she played today. Hitting aggressively and playing short, smart points, the Roland Garros champion showed that she could play on grass, as well as she had on clay. Ivanovic was playing against a clay court player in Rossana De los Rios. The match was a quick one with a 6-1, 6-2 victory.

Serena Williams who is determined to win her first slam at Wimbledon since 2003 was looking pretty sluggish as she opened her campaign. Facing off against the young Kaia Kanepi who made it to the Quarter-Finals of Roland Garros less than a month ago. Kanepi came out strong and was making Williams work for every point, but eventually Serena found her form and restored order in the second set, ending hopes for Kanepi to have good slam results in a row.

Svetlana Kuznetsova had a hard time in her first round match today. Almost to the point where she was about to be knocked out of the tournament. Playing on Court 2, the graveyard of champions, Kuznetsova lost the first set 7-6(5). The next two sets, Kuznetsova had to push off Mathilde Johansson in a tough 7-5, 6-3 final sets. Kuznetsova may eventually have to face Serena Williams in the Quarter-Finals.

Other victors for the day were Agnieszka Radwanska, last weeks champion at Eastbourne, last years Wimbledon finalist, Marion Bartoli and Nicole Vaidasova. Tomorrow defending champion Venus Williams starts off play on Centre Court, with other big named players such as Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic will also be in action.

Results:

Centre Court:

(1)Ana Ivanovic d. Rossana De los Rios - 6-1, 6-2

(14)Agnieszka Radwanska d. Iveta Benesova - 6-3, 6-0

(11)Marion Bartoli d. Sabine Katharin Lisiki - 6-2, 6-4

Court 1:

(6)Serena Williams d. Kaia Kanepi - 7-5, 6-3

Court 2:

(4)Svetlana Kuznetsova d. Mathilde Johansson - 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-3

(29)Amelie Mauresmo d. Ashley Harkleroad - 6-4, 6-3

Court 3:

Samantha Stosur d. Ioana Raluca Olaru - 6-2, 6-2

(8)Anna Chakvetadze d. Stephanie Dubois - 2-6, 6-1, 8-6

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Ana Ivanovic - 2nd Round

2. Jelena Jankovic - 1st Round

3. Maria Sharapova - 1st Round

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - 2nd Round

5. Elena Demetieva - 1st Round

6. Serena Williams - 2nd Round

7. Venus Williams - 1st Round

8. Anna Chakvetadze - 2nd Round

9. Dinara Safina - 1st Round

10. Daniela Hantuchova - 1st Round

Radwanska Remains Perfect in Finals, Tanasugarn Upsets To Capture Title!

June 21st, 2008

Eastbourne, England and 's-HERTOGENBOSCH, The Netherlands

The final stops on the WTA Tour before the third Grand Slam of the season, Wimbledon arrives happened this week in Englad and the Netherlands. It has been a quiet past two weeks with almost all of the big, well known names pulling out or deciding to stay at home before Wimbledon. The only name that was present in the top 5 the past two weeks was Svetlana Kuznetsova in Eastbourne, but she bowed out early and easily in the tournament.

At the Ordina Open, Safina seemed poised to win. She was on a confidence high after reaching the finals of Roland Garros two weeks ago, but there was one tour veteran who had something to say about all this, Tamarine Tanasugarn. A few years ago, Tanasugarn was playing amazing tennis and was reaching deep into tournaments, however she has been lacking the last few years and her ranking has dropped. But with the win, she should get confidence again, defeating Safina in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3. For Safina, this is a setback. Everything was on the plate in front of her so that she could win, however she faltered and the end result was her losing a final that she should have won. This shouldn't bother her too much as Wimbledon approaches, but for Tanasugarn, it should give a much needed surge in her confidence.

At the International Women's Open in Eastbourne, the finals were being contested between an up and coming Polish player and a Russian woman who years ago was in the Top 5. The unique thing in this final was that niether player had reached a grass court final before. The two women were fighting tooth and nail, displaying their aggressive all court games. The tournament which has been won by Justine Henin the last two years was up for grabs. The two had only met once before, at this years Australian Open, where Radwanska came back from near defeat to beat Petrova. Today, it was just as exciting. Radwanska started the match well, winning the first set 6-4. However, Petrova would not be let down, fighting hard in the second set to take it in a tiebreak, 7-6(11). The third set was much like the first, Radwanska winning with a 6-4 scoreline. The Polish girl is now 4-0 in WTA Tour Finals and should look forward to having a good Wimbledon. For Petrova, she too should have confidence heading towards the next slam.

Next week, Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year begins. Who will win? Ana Ivanovic has a weak draw to get to the Semi-Finals. Serena Williams must go through a possible encounter with Amelie Mauresmo, then Svetlana Kuznetsova to reach the Semi's. The other half features Lindsay Davenport, Venus Williams, Jelena Jankovic and Maria Sharapova. It should be an exciting next 2 weeks and I'll be here writing about results every day!

Kirilenko, Bondarenko Win Titles in Barcelona and Birmingham!

June 15th, 2008

Barcelona, Spain and Birmingham, England

One week removed from Roland Garros, and the tour had stops in both Barcelona and in Birmingham. This week there weren't a lot of big stars in action, in fact the biggest two names may have been Maria Kirilenko and Nicole Vaidasova.

In Barcelona, Maria Kirilenko had some problems in early matches, trying to go for her second title of the year, but as the tournament progressed, her game clearly improved. So it was no surprise when she was holding up the trophy at the end of the week with a easy 6-0, 6-2 win over Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez.

In Birmingham, Nicole Vaidasova finally snapped her losing streak, reaching the Quarter-Finals only to lose to Bethanie Mattek. The tournament lacked star power which hurt it, and in the end result, Kateryna Bondarenko defeated Yanina Wickmayer, 7-6(7), 3-6, 7-6(4) in the end.

Next week the tour stops at Eastbourne where Svetlana Kuznetsova and Lindsay Davenport will be playing, and also in s'hertogenbosch.

Day 14 Photos!

Ivanovic Claims Roland Garros For First Slam Title!

June 7th, 2008

Paris, France

The women's clay court season for 2008 came to an end today with the Finals of Roland Garros. Number 2 seed, Ana Ivanovic was playing in her second straight Grand Slam final and second consecutive Roland Garros final(she lost to Henin last year.) She would be up against the number 13 seed, Dinara Safina. The number 13 which had been lucky for her all tournament long, ran out during the finals with Ivanovic playing some of her best tennis to claim the victory.

It was the most competetive Roland Garros final since 2006, when Henin defeated Kuznetsova. Ivanovic unlike last year was more steady and focused. She wasn't nervous like she had been in previous slam finals. Safina on the other hand showed her nerves through her shaky and sometimes weak serves, which Ivanovic took full advantage of. Safina had her chances, coming back from 4-1 down in the first set, to tie it at 4-4, only to be broken and lose the first set, 6-4.

The second set was much of the same, with Ivanovic going up and early break to lead 3-1, and never really looking back. Using her powerful strokes and her good serve, the young Serbian coasted her way to her first Grand Slam title. Justine Henin, a four time winner at Roland Garros was there to present the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen to Ivanovic. For Safina, she can be satisfied with the fact that she had reached her first Grand Slam final and can hope she can continue carrying this form into the rest of the season.

For Ivanovic this opens up many new doors. Now a Grand Slam champion, Serbia's first slam champion, Ivanovic will be looked upon as the heavy favorite at many slams and tournaments. She is also the new world number 1 player. In 2 weeks when Wimbledon begins, all eyes will be on her, to see how well she can do. Last year she made it all the way to the Semi-Finals before losing to eventual champion, Venus Williams.

The WTA Tour now leaves Paris and the second slam of the year and focuses on the grass season ahead, with stops in Birmingham and still a clay tournament in Barcelona.

Results:

Court Philippe-Chatrier

(2)Ana Ivanovic d. (13)Dinara Safina - 6-4, 6-3

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Maria Sharapova - Lost in Round of 16 (Safina)

2. Ana Ivanovic - CHAMPION

3. Jelena Jankovic - Lost in Semi-Finals (Ivanovic)

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Lost in Semi-Finals (Safina)

5. Serena Williams - Lost in Round 3 (Srebotnik)

6. Anna Chakvetadze - Lost in Round 2 (Kanepi)

7. Elena Dementieva - Lost in Quarter-Finals (Safina)

8. Venus Williams - Lost in Round 3 (Pennetta)

9. Marion Bartoli - Lost in Round 1 (Dellacqua)

10. Patty Schnyder - Lost in Quarter-Finals (Ivanovic)

Other Finalist - 13. Dinara Safina - Lost in Finals (Ivanovic)

Day 12 Photos!

Safina, Ivanovic Will Fight For Coupe Suzanne Lenglen!

June 5th, 2008

Paris, France

The women's final is set at the 2008 Roland Garros and it probably wasn't what most would expect at the beginning of the tournament. Just under two weeks ago, it may have been crazy to even suggest that Dinara Safina would make the Finals here...or at any Grand Slam. Yet here she is in the Finals and having beaten some pretty good players to get there. Ivanovic who will be the World Number 1 for the first time in her career come Monday, is making a repeat of last years Roland Garros Finals appearance and making her 3 Grand Slam Finals appearance overall, and second in a row after reaching the finals in Melbourne.

Safina being in the Finals is a slight surprise given how well Svetlana Kuznetsova had been playing all tournament. However today her game just didn't show up. Safina dictated play and was the aggressor, and played possibly her best match of the tournament. Kuznetsova who had a big shot of winning the whole event just faltered and didn't play her game. It was a sad showing for the World Number 4, but all people have bad days. Safina reaches her first Grand Slam final with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Kuznetsova.

The second Semi-Final was much more impressive and closely fought. Both players wanted to win badly and it showed. Jankovic who lead 3-0 in the first set could have closed it out and with her win in the second, maybe she would of won the match. Unfortunately possibly her nerves got the best of her, or Ivanovic came to play and ended up winning the first set, 6-4. Jankovic would not stand down though and winded up winning the second set, 6-3. The third set we tense between the two and it showed, but Ivanovic who has always been the more mentally tougher player between the two, showed why today with a 6-4 victory in the third.

Ivanovic now has her best chance to win her first Grand Slam in facing Safina. Last year at Roland Garros, Ivanovic lost to Henin and at the Australian Open, she lost to Sharapova. For Safina it is her first final, and nerves may play a factor. Its too difficult to call, but I would lean the edge towards Ivanovic to win the event.

Results:

Court Philippe-Chatrier

(13)Dinara Safina d. (4) Svetlana Kuznetsova - 6-3, 6-2

(2)Ana Ivanovic d. (3)Jelena Jankovic - 6-4, 3-6, 6-4

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Maria Sharapova - Lost in Round of 16 (Safina)

2. Ana Ivanovic - Finals

3. Jelena Jankovic - Lost in Semi-Finals (Ivanovic)

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Lost in Semi-Finals (Safina)

5. Serena Williams - Lost in Round 3 (Srebotnik)

6. Anna Chakvetadze - Lost in Round 2 (Kanepi)

7. Elena Dementieva - Lost in Quarter-Finals (Safina)

8. Venus Williams - Lost in Round 3 (Pennetta)

9. Marion Bartoli - Lost in Round 1 (Dellacqua)

10. Patty Schnyder - Lost in Quarter-Finals (Ivanovic)

Other Finalist - (13) Dinara Safina

Day 11 Photos!